Creative Art Society presents the Fall Festival of the Arts. Friday night's opening kicked off our 18th year of this show highlighting creative artists. It was an evening where the visitors could meet the artists and enjoy strolling through this show with over 100 pieces of Fine Art while enjoying the music of Steve Washburn and his guitar. This show is unique since it is a juried all-medium event. A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who make this show possible, especially our show Chairperson, Jacqueline Walock, Creative Art Society Treasurer. Our Honorary Chair was Martine MacDonald who is a Professor of Art at Wayne County Community College. Ms. MacDonald is a professional artist who is always willing to encourage other artists and educate when asked to do so.

Fall Festival of the Arts always finds a qualified working artist to jury the Fine Art section of our show. Our Juror, Dave Hardin, chose only the best of the work submitted. In Mr. Hardin's Juror Statement he mentions, "The top three pieces share artistic excellence, evokes an art-historical perspective, and each has a story to tell. The pieces receiving honorable mentions are fine examples of watercolor. painting, and photography, each one a delight to behold."

The winners are wonderful artists and their chosen work is well deserved. The Best of Show award was presented to Romulus resident, MaryJo Caruana, for her photograph,

"Delightful Beauty of a Sunflower". MaryJo is a multi-talented artist, working in mixed media, photography, painting, and ink. Her flower subjects come from her own wonderful garden.

Second place was awarded to Sandra Difasio, from Milan. Ms. Difasio is an accomplished realistic painter who often paints PleinAire, which is painting outdoors. Her works often evoke a serene setting in a landscape.

Third place award was presented to Taylor resident, Michael Bollerud, for his pencil drawing, "Honoring the Sacred". This drawing is using powdered graphite and depicts an American Indian scene. Mr. Bollerud has been awarded many honors from Western art magazines. His work is meticulous and very thought-provoking.

We also have three people receiving Honorable Mention Awards. Ann Anderson of Grosse Ile for her Watercolor, "Wood Duck". Trenton resident Mona Whitaker also received an Honorable Mention Award for her creative Acrylic dog portrait, "Sashi". And Bill Schahfer from Royal Oak was presented an award for his Photograph, "Philodendron Leaf". Mr. Schahfer's work is always warmly received.

This show is in its 18th year and would not be possible without volunteers who offer their time and talents to present this quality show to the public.

We would also like to thank our many generous donors for their help in funding the show. Dr. Gregory Stevens, Lyn Peraino, Martha Bell, Jacqueline Walock, and Steve and Sue Washburn.

We hope that the public visits our show at Downriver Council for the Arts 81 Chestnut Street in Wyandotte. The show closes on October 20th.

Presented by CREATIVE ART SOCIETY and held at Downriver Council for the Arts

Sandy Difasio and her lovely Oil painting, "Oakwoods Vista"

81 Chestnut Street Wyandotte

Over 100 pieces of work juried into the show

Gallery hours:

Tuesday 9am-8:00pm

Wednesday 11am-2:30pm

Thursday 9am-8pm

Saturday 10am-1pm